The 2023 BMW X5 is the midsize crossover SUV from this high-end luxury brand. The X5 slots between the X3 and X7 to be an attractive option.
What makes the X5 one of the most sought-after midsize luxury SUVs offered? BMW gives us several different versions of this crossover, making it easy to find one that fits nearly every driver’s desires. Whether you want a plug-in hybrid, a powerful and sporty model, or a traditional luxury SUV, you’ll find exactly what you’re after when you choose the X5.
Here are a few things you should know before buying this midsize luxury SUV.
The Base 40i Trim is Much More Powerful than Expected
You’ll find plenty of power in every model of the X5. This is evidenced by the impressive 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that pumps out 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode to give you the power delivery desired. If you push this base model hard, you can hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is pretty quick for a midsize crossover.
When More Power is Desired, the M50i Delivers
Moving up to a more powerful version of the BMW X5 brings you to the M50i trim. This model delivers the exciting power you want for some speed while continuing to be a useful family hauler. This trim uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that pumps out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This power brings incredible sprint speed to this luxury SUV which can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This version could be the X5 you want to drive.
Admire the Classy Cabin Design
The cabin of the X5 isn’t as plain or dialed back as some of the sedans from this automaker. You’ll see an opulent cabin with plush seats and a chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard features silver accents that give it a stylish look. You’ll find four Sensafin upholstery color combinations, which are Silverstone, cognac, coffee, and black. Higher trims give you aluminum or wood trim accents on the dashboard and door panels to provide you with the look and feel you want in your midsize luxury SUV.
The iDrive Infotainment System is Excellent
You’ll see a pair of 12.3-inch display screens for the BMW X5. One screen handles the digital gauge readings to bring you the information you need for the drive, while the other is the center infotainment screen offering connectivity and entertainment features. Every model of the X5 includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and USB connectivity. You’ll also enjoy the sounds coming out of the 16-speaker audio system. Of course, if you want to upgrade the audio experience, check out the optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
This SUV Feels Controlled with an Impressive Braking System
This BMW SUV includes 4-wheel disc brakes that make braking much easier and smoother for you. The distance to stop this SUV from 70 mph is competitive in this segment. Even the heavier PHEV model brakes quickly and keeps you under control. Not only will you stop quickly, but the X5 features some braking systems that help keep you from having problems. You’ll be glad to have brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, and automated emergency braking for this impressive BMW SUV.
BMW Gives You an Excellent Warranty
You’re paying a higher price for a luxury SUV, which means you should expect to have coverage that protects your ride. The BMW X5 includes an impressive powertrain warranty that covers this SUV for four years or 50,000 miles. You’ll also find a complimentary maintenance program which gives you three years or 36,000 miles of included maintenance for this SUV. The warranty might be the same as some of the rival luxury brands, but most of those rivals leave out the complimentary maintenance program.
Most Safety Features are Standard or the X5
Safety is a must for this midsize BMW crossover SUV. This impressive BMW SUV includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring. Along with these advanced safety and driver-alert features, the X5 includes the basics such as ABS, airbags, traction control, stability control, reverse parking sensors, a rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring. Although the 2023 model hasn’t been tested yet, the 2022 version earned a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and is a top safety pick with the IIHS.
The Exterior Style is Athletic and Sophisticated
From every angle, the BMW X5 is aggressive, athletic, and beautifully crafted. This SUV has attractive LED taillights, an impressive dual exhaust system, and an integrated rear spoiler. BMW offers nine exterior colors to choose from and wheel sizes that range from 19 to 21 inches to make this SUV look great. The twin-kidney grille matches well with the LED headlights to give this SUV an elegant, attractive, and familiar look.
This isn’t the Most Spacious SUV in the Class
The rear seats in the X5 aren’t as spacious or accommodating as the Audi Q7 or Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. The cargo capacity of this BMW is only 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is relatively competitive, but you’ll want to ride around in all of the seats to learn whether or not this SUV is comfortable enough for your passengers. This is one of the only drawbacks of this BMW SUV.
BMW Gives You a Plug-In Hybrid Version
The 2023 BMW X5 can be had in the xDrive45e model, which is a PHEV model. This is one of the best choices in the lineup when you’re looking for an efficient powertrain that also delivers more than enough power for the drive. This model comes with the 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine plus an electric motor. The transmission and AWD system are identical to the gas-only version. The xDrive45e delivers 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This model is quicker than the gas-only 40i model, with a sprint time of 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and a quarter-mile time of 13.4 seconds.
Is the 2023 BMW X5 the right midsize luxury crossover SUV for you? Now that you know more about it, this SUV certainly could be the right one for you.
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